A review by talknerdybookblog
Burning Embers by Katie May

4.5

Representation: Gay supporting character, Lesbian side character, Gay side character, Achillean side relationship

Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions

• No cheating
• Does have OW drama
- The heroine has been unrequitedly (she believes) in love with her best friend, whom she met in one of her first foster care homes. But as they grew up, she saw him dating other girls. She reaches a breaking point just before this book, seeing him disappear with OW for what she assumes is an ONS, and determines she needs space. This need for space worsens once she learns he has a "girlfriend" (who also lives in the small town the Heroine just moved to). Note: this friend of her will definitely be in the harem eventually.
-- "Girlfriend" is in quotes cuz we learn that he's never slept with the OW - just chaste kisses I think (but maybe not even that) - cuz this OW gives him access to info he needs to protect the Heroine
- the Heroes (we get their POVs) are betrothed to the town's Queen Bee as a political match. Essentially, her father is very powerful yet she failed to materialize a mating mark which would signify what group of people she'd be the anchor for. As a result, her very powerful father assigned her to Heroes' group cuz they landed in hot water a few years ago and needed help out of it (this was the price).
-- It is important to know that the Queen Bee is very much so not interested in the Heroes, and she, in fact, genuinely befriends the Heroine and encourages the Heroine to get closer to the Heroines. Also, the Heroes absolutely disdain the Queen Bee.
• Does have the Heroine and Grayson pushing each other away. Reid and Ashton also push the Heroine away.
• No separation


Possible Triggers: Yes

• Stalking
• Murder
• Sexual assault
• Description of a dead body
• Imprisonment
• Physical violence
• Allsuion to past abuse
• Threat of knife violence
• Medical trauma
• Panic attacks


Ending:
Cliffhanger